Pancreas, Adrenal Glands, and Retroperitoneum

Abstract

The retroperitoneum is the anatomical space in the abdomen located behind the peritoneum. Structures that lie between the parietal peritoneum and the abdominal wall that are not suspended by a mesentery are classified as retroperitoneal in location and include the pancreas, adrenal glands, kidneys, duodenum, portions of the colon, great vessels, lymph nodes, and lymphatics. In this chapter, normal development and anatomy of the pancreas, adrenal glands, and retroperitoneum are discussed, as well as anatomic variants, congenital abnormalities, inflammatory, traumatic and neoplastic disorders.